BEST HOSTELS IN PRAGUE: The Top 14 Places to Stay in September 2019

Updated: 1/10/2019 | January 10th, 2019

Beautiful and historic, Prague is one of my favorite cities on the continent.

And I have a long history with it.

It was my first stop on my first trip around the world (all the way back in 2006).

Since that original visit, I’ve returned dozens of times, even leading tour groups there. I’ve watched it become increasingly popular with travelers and expats and more cosmopolitan with each passing year.

Now, this international city is one of the most visited in Europe (go in the spring or fall to avoid the overbearing crowds) and is home to an outsized number of hostels, given its small size.

With so many options to choose from, I wanted to create a list of the best, so you can avoid ending up at a terrible or overpriced place (of which there are many) during your visit.

Here is my list of…

The 14 Best Hostels in Prague

1. Sophie’s Hostel

This is my favorite hostel in Prague. It is an upscale hostel (and a sister property of the awesome hotel Miss Sophie’s). The rooms have modern finishings, soft beds, clean bathrooms, and showers with incredible water pressure. The downstairs bar is always lively, the hostel run lots of events, and the staff is super helpful and knowledgeable. When booking online, be sure to add the breakfast buffet. It’s well worth the extra 140 CZK/$6 USD.

Beds from 174 CZK/$8 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Sophie’s Hostel!

2. Little Quarter Hostel

Located between Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, this hostel is in one of the nicer neighborhoods of Prague. The rooms are clean, and there are privacy curtains for the dorms (always a nice touch) as well as spacious lockers. There’s a roof patio and great views from the top-floor rooms. You can sometimes get discounts when you book directly at the hostel’s website. In contrast to most of the hostels in town, Little Quarter offers a calm, non-partying atmosphere.

Beds from 213 CZK/$9.37 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Little Quarter Hostel!

3. Travel & Joy

This new hostel in Prague is close to everything. It’s family owned, so they know a lot about the city. There’s also a yummy traditional Czech restaurant on-site. If you’re here in the summer, check out the great new terrace. This is also another low-key hostel, so stay here if you aren’t looking to party but rather want something small and intimate.

Beds from 220 CZK/$10 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Travel & Joy!

4. Hostel DownTown

If you’re looking to party and socialize, this is one of the best hostels in Prague to do it. It offers free city and castle tours, talent shows, pub crawls, cooking classes, beer pong, and more. It also has communal dinners a few times a week. Ask for a spot on the fifth or sixth floor, as you’ll have a great view of Prague.

Beds from 243 CZK/11 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel DownTown!

5. Post Hostel Prague

Another great social hostel, with a game room with a foosball table, PlayStation, and board games. There’s free breakfast, coffee, and tea. The rooms are large, and the beds are pretty comfy (the pillows are just OK), and all the beds have privacy curtains too! I love all the art on the walls. If you book on the hostel’s website, you can find all kinds of discounts, including some for students, for four-night stays (or longer), and for birthday stays.

Beds from 297 CZK/$13 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Post Hostel Prague!

6. Hostel Santini Prague

This hostel is one of the most beautiful in Prague. It’s in a baroque building that dates back to the 17th century. There’s even a piano (something you don’t usually see in a hostel) in the lobby. Located just below the Prague Castle, it has lots of character, offers a free breakfast, and has quiet and spacious and well-lit rooms.

Beds from 308 CZK/R13.55 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel Santini Prague!

7. Old Prague Hostel

Just a three-minute walk to the Old Town Square, this popular hostel is one of the most central in the city and always full so it’s easy to meet people. Try to get a bed on an upper floor, as the nightclub below is noisy all night. The dorms are bit cramped, though, but the breakfast is free and includes sandwiches, cereals, milk, and coffee. You stay here for the location and the social scene.

Beds from 308 CZK/$13.55 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Old Prague Hostel!

8. McSleep Hostel Prague

This small, family-run hostel (just 22 beds) is located away from the all the tourists. By staying here, you’ll get more of a B&B than a hostel vibe. The family is really nice, the neighborhood is “real” Prague (local, not touristy), and it’s near one of the best parks in town. The beds are super soft, the bathrooms are kept clean, and they even give you free slippers. It’s a very homey hostel!

Beds from 388.33 CZK/$17 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at McSleep Hostel Prague!

9. Hostel One

This is one of the poshest hostels in town, with three locations. Guests get a free homemade dinner each night and can join in on organized activities, including drinking games and walking tours. The hostels are clean and have lounges with TVs, Netflix, and PlayStations or Nintendo 64s. They are on the more expensive side, but you’re paying for super soft beds, modern amenities, and all those events! There are age restrictions (typically 18 to 36), so check before booking a bed. The locations are called:

• Míru – The newest Hostel One in Prague is located in the Nám?stí Míru neighborhood. There are a ton of bars, restaurants, and markets nearby, and the city center is just a 15-minute walk. Beds from 313 CZK/$14 USD.
• Home – Hostel One Home is right in the center of town. It’s a party spot! Beds from 365 CZK/$16 USD.
• Prague – This hostel is in the Žižkov district, with the most nightlife and dining options concentrated in one area than anywhere else in Prague. The Old Town is a 15-minute walk. Beds from 313 CZK/$14 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel One Míru!

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel One Home!

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel One Prague!

10. The MadHouse Prague

If you want to meet people and are looking for a party, this is the best hostel in Prague to do that! It’s really a madhouse here! The décor includes very cool murals. The knowledgeable staff organize events for all guests (every night!) and can also help you find cool daytime activities around town. It’s super popular and one of the best social hostels in the city. Don’t come here if you want to sleep and not party!

Beds from 500 CZK/$22 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at MadHouse Prague!

11. Old Prague House

This centrally located hostel has comfy beds and pillows, and best of all, you get your own bed (no bunks). There’s a great courtyard terrace to relax in. It is family friendly too. Discounts are often offered when you book directly, but they sometimes require a three-night minimum.

Beds from 517 CZK/$23 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Old Prague House!

12. The RoadHouse Prague

This property is the newer, quieter sister property of MadHouse Prague. The staff is great, as is the location (close to Charles Bridge). It’s social, but not wild. The beds are large and comfy, and there are privacy curtains and huge drawers for your things. The staff organizes activities each day, which might include tours or festivals. Be sure to join the group for family dinners — they’re incredible.

Beds from 600 CZK/$26 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at The RoadHouse Prague!

13. Sir Toby’s Hostel

Sir Toby’s Hostel is friendly place to stay, with super fluffy pillows and comfortable beds. This hostel is located in the Holešovice neighborhood, outside the city center, so it’s a more local and chill neighborhood. If you want to experience Prague outside the busy center, this is the spot for you. Sir Toby’s also has a free walking tour that’s pretty good. It’s also one of the cheapest hostels in Prague!

Beds from 171 CZK/$7 USD. Single private rooms are from 1,177 CZK/$50 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Sir Toby’s Hostel!

14. PLUS Prague

PLUS Prague is another hostel located in Holešovice, but this one comes with an added bonus of a swimming pool and sauna. I really like this place, especially in the summer, since they have a huge outdoor courtyard. There’s a a swimming pool and sauna here, a huge common area/dining hall, a decent restaurant, and spacious rooms. Think of it as a mini-motel for travelers but nicer and more social. I still talk to the people I met here!

Beds from 104 CZK/$5 USD. Twin private rooms are from 1,014 CZK/$45 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at PLUS Prague!

***

The city of Prague is filled with countless hostels (OK, maybe not countless — Hostelworld lists 140). You have a lot of options to choose from. But rather than spend hours searching for the perfect place to stay (because who wants to end up in a dump?), use this list of best hostels in Prague, based on years of experience, to set you in the right direction!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!
 

Book Your Trip to Prague: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. It has the best inventory. If you want to stay at another type of place, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Prague?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Prague with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

BEST HOSTELS IN BERLIN: The Top 11 Places to Stay in September 2019

Posted: 1/9/2019 | January 9th, 2019

Berlin is a gigantic city. It stretches over 883 square kilometers and is home to over 3.6 million people.

I hated the city when I first visited it. I just couldn’t vibe with the city.

But the more I came back, the more I grew to love it. Berlin is cheap (always a plus for me), it’s home to some of the best art, culture, music, festivals, and tech companies on the continent. The food scene has also really blown up in recent years and you’ll find some of the most innovative things in food happening in the city.

Traveling Berlin is awesome.

Berlin is also home to plenty of hostels and, in a city so spread out, it’s important to know where the best hostels in Berlin are. Picking your location is crucial to enjoying the Berlin experience.

How do you know which are the best hostels to stay in? What are the best neighborhoods?

Here is my list of the best hostels in Berlin to help you make sense of all the hostels you see listed on Hostelworld.

11 Best Hostels in Berlin

(in no particular order)

1. Meininger Berlin Tiergarten

This hostel feels more like a traveler/backpacker hotel. The rooms are spacious, the beds have comfortable mattresses, there are big storage spaces, and rooms have ensuite bathrooms. The company is part of a chain that stretches across Europe, and you’ll often find it used for group tours, school trips, and families (so it’s generally pretty quiet). Pets are allowed for an extra 10 EUR/11 USD per night. There’s a large common area with a foosball table too! It’s a little outside the city center in Moabit but Berlin’s easy public transit makes it quick to get around. The hostel is next to Tiergarten which is a popular hangout for Berliners. If you’re looking for a quiet stay and want more space to yourself, this might be the hostel for you.

Beds from 8 EUR/9 USD, privates from 45 EUR/50 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Meininger Berlin Tiergarten!

2. Plus Berlin

This historic building used to be a fashion school and survived both World Wars. Located in Friedrichshain, an artsy area near the East Side Gallery, I like this hostel because it has an indoor pool and sauna — rare finds when it comes to hostels! It’s a bit of a posh place and offers some hotel perks at hostel prices. The rooms are clean, and the beds are fine. They have laundry services as well as a courtyard garden, which is great for relaxing and having a drink. They also offer a free shot to all guests, so you’re looking to party on a budget you might want to stay here.

Beds from 9 EUR/10 USD, privates from 40 EUR/45 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Plus Berlin!

3. Heart of Gold Hostel

The rooms in this hostel each have a different décor and hand-painted artwork. The courtyard is a great place to sit and enjoy free coffee and tea in the morning. During happy hour, they have 1 EUR (1.15 USD) beers! You have to pay a 5 EUR/6 USD deposit for sheets and towels, but you’ll get that back at checkout. This is just and overall awesome place to stay and meet some travelers. The showers aren’t great but the hostel is located in Mitte, in the center of the city, so it’s easy to get to any other neighborhood you’d like to visit and Alexanderplatz and the Brandenburg Gate are close by.

Beds from 11 EUR, privates from 40 EUR/45 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Heart of Gold Hostel!

4. ONE80°

Located just a few steps from Alexanderplatz, this hostel is clean, filled with modern amenities, and has super soft pillows. Berlin’s extensive bus, subway, and tram system is literally just outside the front door. The staff here organizes tours, including a free walking tour, a pub crawl, and a trip to Sachsenhausen (a concentration camp just outside of town). There are plenty of electrical outlets (one at every bed) and the lockers are spacious. Watch out though – the communal showers have no doors or curtains (they are separated by gender though). Overall, the hostel has a modern, stylish feel and the dorms are all reasonably sized (8-bed dorms are the largest you’ll find, so you’re not crammed in like sardines!).

Beds from 12 EUR/14 USD, privates from 75 EUR/85 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at ONE80°!

5. Circus Hostel

Circus Hostel is an institution in Berlin. It’s been here for over 20 years is one of the oldest hostels in the city. It’s a friendly place with comfy beds and a super fun common area. You can also rent bikes and iPads here. The bar is astounding (they have their own microbrewery and cafe) and there’s live music on Friday nights, and they also host weekly trivia and kareoke nights too. Check out the delicious breakfast buffet as well — it’s all you can eat and super cheap! The hostel staff offers free walking tours and there are always fun events happening. They also have a really fantastic app that travelers use to meet other people and to make plans in the city — it works really well! Overall, this is just an awesome centrally located hostel and one of the best hostels in Berlin.

Beds from 12 EUR/14 USD, privates from 40 EUR/45 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Circus Hostel!

6. Wombats

I love Wombats. It’s a bit big for a hostel as there are hundreds of beds (the only downside) but its filled travelers, has really snug beds, ensuite bathrooms, lockers, and a big breakfast. It’s clean and there’s a fully equipped kitchen too. But the real highlight is the rooftop bar with the outdoor patio that offers sweeping views of the city! It’s an awesome spot to drink a beer and meet people! The staff here go over and above too, which is a huge perk if you want to ask lots of questions and get some itinerary input. Lastly, the hostel is located in Mitte, one of Berlin’s best neighborhoods, so it’s close to Alexanderplatz, Museum Island, and Prenzlauer Berg.

Beds from 13 EUR/15 USD, privates from 55 EUR/63 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Wombats!

7. EastSeven Berlin Hostel

EastSeven has a great social atmosphere and really clean rooms. The hostel is located in a quieter area between Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, but the nearby U2 subway line will take you right to Alexanderplatz. The hostel organizes walking tours twice a day, which is a great way to mingle with other travelers. They have an awesome kitchen — it’s got everything you need — and you can also cook in the outdoor BBQ area (another great social activity). They offer a cheap breakfast that is well worth the price, and beers are just 1.50 EUR/1.75 USD during Happy Hour. There’s no elevator, so be prepared to climb lots of stairs with your bag. On the plus side, there are lots of extra little perks like a document printing, hairdryers, umbrellas, free luggage storage, and late checkout that help make this one of the best hostels in the city.

Beds from 14 EUR/16 USD, privates from 40 EUR/45 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at EastSeven Berlin Hostel!

8. St. Christopher’s

If you’re looking to party, St. Christopher’s is the place for you. The bar next door gets quite lively and they do a lot of drink specials (you get 25% off on food as a guest, too). I had some really fun moments here, though there’s not much common space at the hostel so the bar really is the best place to meet people (they try to get everyone there to eat and drink as much as possible). If you’re not looking to drink or party, this won’t be the best place to stay. But if you are, the rooms here are clean and it’s pretty quiet in the hostel itself. It’s located in Mitte, near Alexanderplatz, the TV Tower, and Museum Island.

Beds from 15 EUR/17 USD, privates from 50 EUR/57 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at St. Christopher’s!

9. The Cat’s Pajamas Hostel

What I love about this hostel is that it’s a quiet, calm place to stay. There’s a nice kitchen, a good common area, and less focus on drinking than in other hostels. The beds and rooms are average (not great but not bad) and the lockers in the rooms are very small. But each bunk has a light and power outlet, and towels and hair dryers are included. It’s in Kreuzkölln — in the middle of Kreuzberg and Neukölln — which is one of the best areas of Berlin for drinking and dining. If you’re not looking to party and meet people, this is a hostel worth staying at.

Beds from 15 EUR/17 USD, privates from 55 EUR/63 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at The Cat’s Pajamas Hostel!

10. Pfefferbett Hostel

This hostel is part of a former brewery complex in Prenzlauer Berg. It’s in a nice, safe location that’s just two U-bahn stops away from Alexanderplatz. They have a great 24-hour bar that has pool tables, table tennis, and foosball, which makes meeting other travelers easy and fun. They also offer free daily walking tours, which are a great way to see the area and explore the city. The beds are comfortable and the rooms are clean and not too tiny. There’s a cozy fireplace in the lobby that adds a nice touch of home to the place. As an added bonus, the hostel is a non-profit that provides jobs for disabled people, so by staying here, you are helping a great cause!

Beds from 16 EUR/18 USD, privates from 60 EUR/68 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Pfefferbett Hostel!

11. Minimal Hostel Berlin

In an arty part of Berlin, this boutique hostel features minimalist repurposed décor, in keeping with its name. It’s in the trendy Neukölln area and offers six-bed dorms and two double rooms. It’s not a party place, but it’s social enough that you’ll meet some people (plus there are bars everywhere in the area). They have bike rentals too if you want to go out and do some exploring. Cash is required when you arrive, and they also require a two-night minimum stay.

Beds from 20 EUR/23 USD, privates from 70 EUR/80 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Minimal Hostel Berlin!

***

Berlin has hundreds of hostels spread throughout this giant city. I’ve been visiting Berlin for years and have stay at some terrible and amazing places. Instead of spending hours trying to figure out where to stay, this list of the best hostels in Berlin will cut out the time for you.

Got a hostel not on this list? Add it in the comments!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!
 

Book Your Trip to Berlin: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Berlin?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Berlin with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12